Author's Note: This story was written for the Anniversary Collection on the Flowerpot server (discord．gg/Np2zjAH), a great story to meet fellow fans of the pairing, bounce ideas around, and meet many great authors.
I want to give a shoutout to Freudentraene, whose fanfiction inspired me when to comes to the structure of this story, and many thanks to the people who helped beta read this fanfiction, x102reddragon, Sirkhies, OfficeSloth, and most importantly WardyWoo who has been invaluable.
Chapter Two
Wherein, upon giving the treasure to his beloved, and watching her vanish, our hero embarks on a journey to meet the one who knows how to get his beloved back. He learns of his quest, to deliver the rare golden fern flower to his beloved's eldest kin, to make an impossible pie beloved by four different Veela, and to deliver special ribbons to his beloved.
We find our hero standing next to his cottage, a bemused expression on his face, looking at the spot that just a moment before was occupied by his gorgeous and giddy girlfriend, the last vestiges of her silvery glow slowly fading from his sight.
He shook his head to clear his vision, and sighed exasperatedly. He well knew that Fleur had a very good relationship with her family. After all, she had taken him many times to visit them in France. And so he had a very good idea of where she went and why. Still, he chuckled at her enthusiasm.
By now, she was most likely enthusiastically sharing the news with her sister or parents. He would let her have the moment, but there would need to be much preparation. And he knew just the person to ask.
After locking up their cottage, he focused on the area Fleur had once shown him, a remote spot near the shore on the opposite side of the Channel. With a twist, he was gone, leaving behind a silent pop.
He emerged from the squeezing darkness of apparition in France near Calais. From there, it took him three more jumps, until he emerged on a grassy hill in southern France, overlooking a small village, just a grouping of several houses, in fact, centred on the church of Saint Ciprien. In fact, the whole village was named after it, St. Ciprien-Sous-La-Colline. This was one of several mixed wizarding-muggle settlements in France.
The smell of burned wood was in the air, as curls of smoke rose from several chimneys. He headed to one of the houses at the edge of the village, a two-storey building with a gabled roof of red shingles, and surrounded by a neat garden, dominated by a tall cherry tree.
As he passed through the gate and under the tree's shade, he felt a familiar tingle of magic, encountering him, challenging him, and finally recognizing and accepting him. Upon reaching the door, he knocked three times.
"I come to visit in peace!"
The door opened almost immediately and there, facing him, stood Fleur's grandmother, a tall, willowy figure whose hair had turned completely silver, but there was a lively spark in her deep blue eyes. Her lined face bore a wide smile.
"Indeed, 'Arry? Now? In the middle of the night?"
After kisses on each cheek, he smiled at the woman. "Of course, Elena. May I come in?"
"Of course." She led him inside, showing him to the coathanger. "Take off your robe. I will prepare tea."
"Won't your husband mind being woken up?" Harry made sure his robe was not rumpled when he took it off, and took off his shoes. By now, he had his own set of slippers ready at the house.
"Oh, Gérard is away, working on a sculpture commissioned by Beauxbâtons." She waved his worry away. "I am glad to 'ave some company." She handed him a cup of steaming fruit tea. "So, why come visit me? Should you not be with my granddaughter?"
They walked into the living room of the house, and took seats at the small table there. The whole house smelled of dried herbs that were hanging down from the ceiling in the kitchen.
"Well, Fleur had me looking for her Gown of Feathers."
Elena took a deep sip of her tea and put the cup on the table. There was an excited gleam in her eyes. "She 'ad, hm?" Her smile was as sharp as her cheekbones. "And you? 'ave you found it? Do you 'ave it?"
He shrugged and scratched the back of his head. "I found it, and returned it to her. It's hers anyway."
Her smile perceptibly changed. It was still just as wide, but there was tenderness in her expression now. "It is, that it is." She nodded. "I thought she 'ad made a good choice." She leaned to him and took his hands into hers. "I am glad to see that confirmed."
He returned her smile. "And then she disapparated to her parents, I think."
"Without a word to you?"
He nodded at her question.
"Of course she did, silly young chick." She sighed. "And so you came to me."
He nodded. "And so I came to you."
"Tell me, 'Arry."—she leaned towards him —"do you know the importance of the gown?"
"I think so." He sounded unsure even to his ears. "It was a marriage proposal, wasn't it?"
"You are right." She nodded at him, "but allow this old Veela to fill in the gaps."
"Oh, story time?"
"Hm, you are just like my granddaughters." She chuckled. "So, youngster, settle down and prepare your ears, for I am about to regale you with a tale, ancient and true."
Harry smiled and wiggled in the chair, to show he was in a comfortable position. He had never had anybody to tell him stories before, so he quickly had grown to love it when Fleur's grandmother would tell some of her countless tales.
"In times long past," Elena started, "there was a group of young Veela, friends and sisters, each more beautiful than the dawn, ethereal like starlight, dancing in meadows, singing in unison."
Harry felt himself be taken to that distant land and time as Elena wove her tale.
"From time to time, they found a lake with water crystal clear, in a land across ninefold mountains and sevenfold rivers," she went on, her tone rising and falling in a dance of its own, "and there they chose to bathe." Her arms went wide as she gesticulated. "Before doing that, they took off their gowns and hid them well, for their varied and wondrous powers had from the beginning of time been bound to their gowns."
Elena frowned for a moment before continuing. "from talking to animals to being able to transform into any bird they wished, and more, especially the power of their 'ealing dance, 'ad all been bound to their Gowns of Feathers."
She took a deep breath and sipped on her tea, then nodded to herself. "And one time, as they danced, they 'ad been watched. A young man stayed crouched in a bush, entranced by the beauty 'e be'eld. At that moment, 'e 'ad decided the beautiful Veela would be 'is."
Harry had a sinking feeling at Elena's suddenly grim visage as her tone fell.
"Determined, the young man found the lake where the Veela bathed. 'E watched them take their gowns off." A deep frown marred her features now, twisting the laugh lines on her face. "When 'e saw them get further into the water, 'e snuck closer and made off with one of the gowns." She turned to look him in the eyes and grabbed his hand.
He squeezed back, projecting his own calm onto her. In reaction, she patted his hand, and continued.
"With the gown in 'is possession, the young man was able to force the Veela to come with him." Elena took a deep breath. "For without 'er gown, the Veela was powerless. And so the young man forced 'er to marry him, and bear 'is children."
Harry paled when hearing that. "That's… horrible."
"Yes." Elena nodded, "Veela 'ave often been targets of lust. However, after some time, the young Veela was able to find 'er 'idden gown, and get it back. She vanished from 'er 'ome without a trace, and reunited with her sisters. And that is, 'Arry, why Fleur vanished without a word. Ever since then, it 'as been a Veela tradition."
"So," Harry hesitated, unsure what words to use, "when she offered me her gown?"
"Yes." She squeezed his hand again, "it was a sign of 'er absolute trust in you, 'Arry. And it was not misplaced."
"But, if I kept it…"
"She would 'ave stayed with you, she loves you."
"She would have lost… so much," he halted again, "she is so proud of you, of her family, cousins. Of being who she is."
"That she is." Elena nodded, "but she would not 'ave lost all 'er powers. Veela 'ave changed since those times of old. Not all of our feathers reside on our gowns." Here, she shrugged. "In exchange, we 'ave lost the ability to transform into any bird we wanted." She raised her hand, palm up, and a flame danced above it. "But it was worth it. We are still strongly bound to our Gowns of Feathers, 'owever, so it was indeed a show of great trust."
"Thank you for telling me," Harry mumbled. "But now what?"
"Now, I shall tell you another tale, for it will reveal what awaits you."
Harry noticed her cup was empty, so he rose to refill it, which she accepted with a grateful nod.
"Thank you, dear. This story too starts long ago in a land far away. A young man, Jan, was travelling the world. 'E 'ad left his parents' 'ome 'oping to learn as much as 'e could, experience as much as 'e could." Elena sighed. "'E was as 'andsome as 'e was kind, and 'is courage was matched by 'is compassion. Once, 'e met a falcon with an injured wing, and nursed 'im to full 'ealth." She smiled, lost in the story. "The falcon, from then on, was Jan's faithful companion. They trekked the land, crossed rivers, passed through mountains, 'elping people and other beings, making friends, and learning. Oh, so much learning."
Harry leaned into the back of the chair, and smiled at the aged storyteller. The house exuded warmth, and the kitchen smelled pleasant. He wondered if his own grandmothers would have been like that.
"And then Jan and 'is falcon friend arrived at a remote 'amlet quite close to a clear spring, and neighbouring an old wood." Elena took a deep breath, and patted Harry's hand. "They decided to stay there for a time, and both were welcome. At times, Jan 'elped in the fields, and at the mill. Other times, 'e patrolled around the village with 'is falcon, and explored the woods."
Harry smiled at the description, remembering his owl. Hedwig used to accompany him too. The pang he used to feel when thinking of his dear friend, and how she died, was now almost gone, leaving only fond memories behind.
"Unbeknownst to him," Elena continued, "'e was being watched by a pair of curious eyes. 'e was being watched as 'e befriended the water spirits when working in the mill, made friends in the village, and explored the forest. 'E respected the area, making sure never to trample young plants." She smiled at him again. "And it was in that forest where the falcon brought him to an injured deer. 'E immediately set out to help the animal, taking care to calm and soothe it. 'E did what 'e could, but was 'indered by not knowing all the 'erbs in the forest."
Harry was now sitting at the edge of his seat, remembering his first year, and the poor injured unicorn.
"And as Jan was looking for 'erbs, 'e was approached by a young maiden in a silvery cloak. 'Er 'air shone in the sunlight filtered by the trees, and she led him to those 'erbs that would 'elp the poor deer." Elena noticed the look of understanding on Harry's face. "Yes, she was a Veela, Jasna was 'er name. Together, the two 'ealed the wounded deer. From that moment on, Jan knew 'e 'ad never before met one such as Jasna. And she was equally enchanted, for she 'ad been observing him. Learning of 'is good character through 'is deeds."
"So they fell in love there?"
"Oh no," she chuckled, "but the seed was planted then and there. Jan kept going to the forest, and Jasna was always waiting for him there. Sometimes, it was the falcon that guided 'im to 'er, at other times, Jan followed a deer trail, but they always found each other." Elena sighed, lost in her own memories. "They talked, danced with each other under the trees, the wind in the branches accompanied by birdsong the only music they needed."
Harry smiled at her wistful tone, remembering his own dates with Fleur, their own private dances.
"There, under the branches, in the shade of the trees, Jan and Jasna fell in love. The people of the village recognized his look, smiling knowingly. When the baker saw him, she invited him to learn 'ow to make pies with poppy seeds and honey, and Jan brought them to 'is beloved. The 'erbalist guided Jan to the right flowers with a smile and a wink, and the tailor gifted him with colourful ribbons, telling 'im to give them to someone special," she spoke slowly, and finished with a quiet sigh.
"And then, one day, Jasna offered to give Jan 'er very own Gown of Feathers." Here, Elena's eyes bore into his own. "Jan understood what Jasna was offering, and was overjoyed. 'E, 'owever, didn't want to keep such an important thing from his beloved, and after accepting 'er proposal, returned 'er the Gown. And at that moment, Jasna vanished."
"What did Jan do?" Harry felt his stomach twist.
"Oh, 'e was distraught." Elena put her hand over her heart. "'Is 'eart ached, and 'e called Jasna's name. Alas, to no avail. So 'e walked around the forest, looking for her. It was no 'uman who found him there, looking lost. No, it was the deer whose wounds 'e 'ad treated with such care." She smiled again. "For it was no ordinary deer, oh no. It was Jasna's mount, missing 'is rider."
"Did Jan recognize him?" Harry found himself immersed in the story.
"Of course," Elena assured him, "'e 'ad seen Jasna arrive on the deer's back many times. When the deer offered 'is back to him, Jan knew 'e was being offered help. And so 'e got on, and rode away, 'is falcon friend following 'im in the air. Through deep woods they rode, deep lakes they passed, many rivers they crossed, and still they rode." She leaned towards him. "Patrols around cities soon passed around a rumour of a determined young hero riding a deer at wild gallop, pursuing a distant dream. Fortresses loomed in the background, city walls, tall spires. Through storms and snow they rode, in sunlight they bathed."
Elena paused to take a deep breath. "Until, finally, they arrived at a grim sight, a bleak mountain with a triple peak, guarded by a fierce wyrm of seven heads. Their gleaming eyes watched the group suspiciously as they approached, yet the wyrm did not move and let the deer, man, and falcon pass." She waved her hand in the air. "Seven strips of smoke rose into the air, but Jan was able to pass unmolested."
Her voice quieted to a near whisper. "The master of that mountain was a fierce warlock whose wand slew many a hero. Through guile and magical skill, 'e was able to bind many to 'is will, even the fearsome wyrm that guarded 'is home. And it was this warlock that Jan sought out. 'e met him near the three peaks of the mountain where the air was thin."
Harry had to lean towards Elena now to hear her properly.
"The warlock 'ad once been a 'andsome man, but in 'is pursuit of power, 'e excised what 'e saw as 'is own weaknesses. Compassion, empathy. Even 'is own death he had excised from 'is body and 'idden ever so carefully. Yet," she sighed, "what remained was a pale husk of a man with piercing eyes. Cold, and cruel, 'is gaze alone was enough to chill the blood in most people's veins. And yet Jan stood without fear in front of the warlock. 'E knew now why Jasna 'ad fled, and so asked the Warlock to release 'er from 'is service."
She looked Harry right in the eyes. "The warlock merely laughed, a cold, cruel laugh, and told 'im that to earn Jasna's freedom, only to enslave 'er for 'is own desires, 'e would need to pass three tests: bring 'im the Lunar Fern flower, gather moondew from the leaves of a lightning-struck oak in the Dark Wood to the north, and one last task 'e would tell him later." Elena smiled at Harry. "And so Jan did not 'esitate, climbed onto 'is deer friend, and rode off."
Harry quickly refilled Elena's cup when he noticed her drink the last drop of her tea.
"Jan well knew the tasks were all but impossible. No mortal knew where the Lunar Fern grew, and the Dark Wood was 'ome to many monsters and demons." She nodded at him in thanks when he handed her the cup. "But it was also 'is only clue. The only place 'e knew where to find. And so brave Jan ventured into the gloom of the Dark Wood. No birds sang there, only the crows' cawing followed 'is every footstep as 'e led the deer with him." Elena's voice again changed to barely a whisper, and her face looked more lined than usual, her cheeks suddenly gaunt, skull-like. "'E warily watched 'is every step, for the branches hanging low were pointy and curved, resembling claws and talons. The trees' bark was dark, and there were strange lights in their hollows. Even the undergrowth 'ad sharp thorns, and 'e 'eard rustling and growls from afar. Wolves, 'e knew, were the least of 'is worries, but 'e couldn't afford to underestimate them."
She blew into her cup and warmed her hands on it. "Jan wisely ignored the wails and 'owls that sounded from 'is left. 'E knew that were 'e to answer them, 'e would be beset by demons and torn to pieces. But what caused 'im to quicken 'is stride were the sounds of crackling trees and 'eavy footsteps to his right. The caretaker and protector of this forest was approaching, the powerful Leshy." Elena nodded at Harry. "'E was even able to see the wicked antlers on his 'ead in the distance, decorated with skulls of 'is victims. This Leshy was a wicked one, a killer of men. 'Owever, all sound went away, for Jan was now facing a fence made of bones and gnarled branches, with skulls sitting atop it, all glaring at him, with firey sparks in their sockets."
"The deer," she went on, "refused to cross the fence, so Jan had to open the gate of 'uman bones. 'E was facing a curious 'ut, leaning on one side. The reason for that became apparent soon, for the 'ut was resting on a pair of chicken legs. Jan ignored the plants in the garden 'issing at him, the threatening movements of the trees, and the snarling of the skull that 'ung on the doors to the 'ut, and knocked. Boldly, 'e struck the door, once, twice, three times." Elena surreptitiously looked to the sides, as if to make sure nobody else was listening. "The skull released a mournful wail, and the door opened by itself. The inside resembled a normal 'ouse, with a bed, a fireplace, and an oven. And leaning on that oven was the mistress of the 'ut. Grotesquely tall due to her long, bony legs, she was a 'ag, slumped forward, with green patches on 'er skin, warts growing on 'er long nose. 'Er eyes, they burned."
Elena's voice changed again, rising in pitch. "The 'ag asked 'im what brought 'im there, and 'er voice resembled squeaking 'inges. Jan answered fearlessly and 'onestly, that 'e was seeking a lightning-struck oak in the forest, to free his Veela love from the clutches of a warlock."
She bared her teeth in a mockery of a smile. "The 'ag laughed, revealing 'er teeth of rusty iron. She told 'im that 'e would need to stay a while, because the Leshy was close. 'E would 'ave to earn 'is stay, though, for none stayed at 'er 'ut for free. Jan agreed," she smiled, "saying 'e would not accept free lodging anyway. And so the 'ag bade 'im to clean the 'ut and make some food. While Jan worked, the 'ag found 'er mortar in the corner, and carried it outside. She then climbed into the mortar, and used the pestle as a paddle. Jan watched, amazed, as she rose into the air. 'E had no time to gape, so 'e set to work."
Harry felt her squeeze his hand again. "When the 'ag returned, after flying around the forest, she found 'er 'ut clean, and a delicious smell was wafting from the oven. Jan had prepared poppy seed and honey pies." She smiled at him again. "Always remember that even the most cantankerous if 'ags will look at you differently with a belly full of warm food. She accepted the pie from 'im, and praised its taste. Then 'ad him tell 'er 'is full story. And 'e did. In a candle-lit room, while both ate pies, 'e told 'er 'ow 'e met Jasna, 'ow they fell in love, and of 'is quest."
"She chuckled," Elena imitated the hag, "and praised 'im for telling naught but the truth. 'Ad 'e told but a single lie." She bared her teeth, "the 'ag would 'ave eaten 'im. But since 'e told 'er the truth, she would advise 'im. And since he baked 'er the pies, she would give 'im a gift. So she told 'im of the clearing where lightning had struck an old oak. She did not know where the Lunar Fern grew, but told 'im she knew of only one being that could know. A Firebird. And finally, she gave 'im a lantern for 'is journey, one that would protect 'im from evil."
She leaned back in her chair, looking decidedly satisfied. "Jan then left the 'ut on chicken legs, carrying a lantern made out of a skull, in whose sockets a bright flame eternally burned. Dark shadows fled the light of Jan's new lantern, and even the Leshy dared not approach." Elena took another sip from her cup. "Following the 'ag's advice, Jan headed north, passing several trails, the deer and falcon following him. After some time when they walked in the dark, they arrived at the clearing where an ancient oak stood, cleaved in twain by a jagged bolt of lightning. And there, he found moonlight, glistening in starlight, on its branches."
"'E scraped the moondew using a silver knife into a crystal vial," she continued after a sigh, "but then faced the difficult task of finding the firebird. Fortunately, one of its own kin was accompanying 'im. This time, it was the falcon who led the way, guiding Jan and the deer through the forest, eventually alighting at a spot where the darkness of the forest was pierced by a bright light. There, in the grass, lay a single feather of the firebird, shining brighter than a lantern."
Harry touched the feather he himself had been gifted. It may not glow, but it exuded warmth, and he always found its touch especially gentle, mirroring Fleur herself.
"With this find," Elena started again, after giving Harry a moment, "the falcon now flew with certainty. Jan was sure that 'is friend would lead him to the firebird. This time, they 'eaded east, leaving the dark forest. They 'ad to cross windy plains, and ford rivers, elude the treacherous rusalki, even overcome a vodyanoi. Eventually, after taking a longer detour to avoid a firestorm caused by a raróg, they neared their goal." She smiled. "They finally arrived in a large port city. There, in a garden, the falcon landed on a tree branch right next to the glowing firebird, whose plumage resembled flames in both brightness and colour."
As Harry listened, he imagined the firebird as Fawkes as he remembered him, swooping in on brilliant wings, ready to save his life.
"The firebird," Elena continued her tale, "watched 'im warily at first, but the falcon was its kin, and so it listened to Jan describing 'is woes. It merely nodded at 'im, and bade 'im to follow it. Even further east they 'eaded, and then north, to where a mountain range loomed through the clouds."
Harry felt a chill, as her tone changed, along with her expression.
"The most arduous part of their journey was facing them, for the flower they sought bloomed at the top of the mountain. And they 'ad no time to lose, for it bloomed only one night in a year, and that night was coming. Jan 'ad to climb carefully, lest 'e wished to incur the wrath of the spirit of the mountain. And such a wrath would bring strong wind, storms, and hail." Elena's gaze held his own, and Harry found himself rooted to the spot. "At every stop, every spot of even a small rest, Jan thanked the powerful spirit of the mountain for its patience, because it suffered 'is presence. Not once did Jan's foot slip during the climb, and at every stop, 'e poured a bit of spirit on the rocks, to give 'is thanks. And as 'is lungs burned, Jan found the mountain's summit. The firebird and the falcon welcomed 'im there, guiding 'im to where the Lunar Fern Flower showed its silvery bloom."
She pointed at him and made a tutting motion. "Plucking that flower required a deft 'and, not like yours when you tried to take care of my garden, young man."
Harry ducked sheepishly. "I promised to be more careful, and get rid of my bad habits."
Elena nodded at his answer. "Yes, you did. So Jan plucked the flower and put it into a special jar to protect it from the elements. 'E 'ad done both of the tasks the warlock asked of 'im, and it was time to return to 'im, to see what the third task would be. The journey was no less dangerous, but Jan was spurred on by the 'ope that was swelling in 'is chest. 'E felt 'e would see Jasna again soon."
"One thing made the journey back more pleasant, 'owever." She smiled, "because Jan met many of the friends 'e 'ad made along the way. Guards greeted him, and farmers let him sleep in their 'ouses. After even more adventures, Jan arrived at the mountain with three peaks, seeking the gaunt warlock again. 'E was quite—" Elena scrunched up her face, "—put out to see Jan, 'aving expected 'im to perish on 'is journeys. 'E snarled at Jan to show 'im that 'e 'ad done as promised. Jan then showed 'im the Lunar Fern flower, and the jar of moondew. Greed flashed in the warlock's eyes, ever 'is vice. After a moment of contemplation, the warlock nodded, and led Jan down the mountain, past the dragon whose seven 'eads glared balefully at both of them. They walked over a short distance, turning towards a small valley in the east. There, the warlock 'ad 'idden one of his palaces. As they walked through the corridors, Jan peeked into the various rooms they passed along the way."
Elena shook her head. "In each room, scantily clad young women stood, their eyes dull. Not every collar is visible by naked eye. The warlock led Jan into a room with an enormous bath, and there 'e spread 'is arms, and started cackling. There, Jan learned of 'is task. 'E stood facing Jasna, countless Jasnas, for the walls of the room were lined by exact copies of 'is beloved. 'Choose,' the warlock chortled, 'but choose carefully. What kind of true love would it be if you do not recognize your beloved.' Jan strode carefully around the room, looking for any difference, no matter 'ow small."
She caressed Harry's hand. "Every Jasna gave 'im the same bright smile, their eyes sparkled with joy. Each and every Jasna was as tall and supple as the one one 'e remembered. Everywhere 'e turned, Jan saw a vision of loveliness. Yet 'is 'eart knew only one of those was real. It was 'is falcon friend who 'elped 'im decide. With 'is keen sight, the falcon knew, and landed near to one particular figure." Elena smiled fondly. "A ribbon was entangled in 'er silvery plait. A ribbon that Jan 'imself had given 'er. And indeed, the other images had different ribbons in their 'air. A gift given out of love was beneath the warlock's notice. As Jan stepped forward and reached 'is beloved, the other figures shimmered, and suddenly, snakes were in their place, slithering away, hissing angrily."
Harry smiled in relief, but Elena did not share his smile. Instead, she kept narrating her tale in a grave tone.
"The warlock nodded, trying to 'ide the grimace that twisted his bloodless lips. With a jerk of 'is 'ead, 'e bade Jan and Jasna follow 'im outside, while tightly clutching an amulet he wore." She looked grim. "For it was a magic amulet, and 'e was preparing a spell to cast on the pair of lovers. When they left the palace, 'e asked Jan and Jasna to look at 'im, because 'e 'ad a wedding present for them. 'Is eyes flashed bright yellow, but as 'e was casting 'is spell, the lantern Jan 'ad received from the 'ag, until now 'anging from the back of Jan's deer friend, unleashed a screech, and light flashed from its eyesockets."
Elena gave a decidedly predatory smile. "The warlock fell backwards, thrown by an invisible force, and started patting himself, screaming furiously. The silvery shirt 'e 'ad been wearing under 'is cloak was now only smoke and ashes. It was then when Jasna truly clutched Jan, the look in 'er eyes suddenly as clear and keen as a falcon's. For the shirt that 'ad been burned 'ad been made of Veela 'air, each 'air from a different Veela, binding them to 'is will."
Harry gasped at the revelation, well aware how much care Fleur always took to never
leave even a single hair of hers behind.
"The warlock," she kept speaking, "limited 'imself to snarling, 'owever, warily watching the skull lantern, in whose eye sockets the flames burned bright. 'E recognised whose work it was, and dared not act, while Jan helped Jasna onto the deer. They rode away, as the warlock screamed in rage, his palace quickly emptying of his servants. Some time later, Jan and Jasna arrived at her forest, and soon after they were wed."
"Did they live happily ever after?" Harry asked as he edged closer to her.
"Of course they did," she said, smiling at him. "This is a fairy tale, after all. You may doubt ocean's depths, you may doubt sky's vast size, but never doubt the strength of a Veela's love. And Jan was no slouch either." She squeezed his hand.
"Thank you for that story, Elena." Harry squeezed her hand back. "So, does that mean I have to embark on a quest to defeat an evil warlock?"
"Are you saying you 'ave not defeated one already?" She arched her eyebrow. "No, but you will go out to obtain some things. Three things, to be exact." She counted with her fingers. "First, you will obtain a golden fern flower, and deliver it to Fleur's eldest kin, her great-grandmother Adeline. She will prepare it for the wedding. Then you will bring pies. But not just any pies. You must bring mine, Apolline's, Gabrielle's, and Fleur's favourite pies." She chuckled at his expression. "That will be your quest. And then, after you bring the pies, you will need to find Fleur, and deliver silk ribbons, the tradition says they should be bright red. Be sure to enchant them as your 'eart guides you."
"Alright." He nodded, "but where can I find a golden fern flower?"
"That." She shrugged, "I do not know. Maybe a firebird would guide you? Anyway, it is getting late. Why don't you sleep here, and in the morning, you will surely get an idea where to start."
"Mhm." Harry failed to suppress a yawn. "Can I take your guest bedroom?"
"I would not offer if you could not," she chuckled. "After all, we are going to be family."
This time, our hero found out just what quest he was facing, and went to rest for the night, knowing that dawn brings new light, hoping that morning will bring new ideas. For our hero needs to find the mysterious golden fern flower, and perhaps nobody save for a firebird knows where to find one.